Abstract

The present study investigated the effectiveness of documentation panels in creating a sense of shared understanding and community among parents and teachers in the Concordia Observation Nursery. It is suggested, particularly by the educators of the municipal preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, that documentation informs parents and teachers about children's interests, competencies, and approaches to learning. For this case study five parents, whose preschool children attended the Nursery, were asked to view a series of four documentation panels over the course of four weeks. The parents were videotaped while viewing the panels and completed one questionnaire for each of the panels. Each participant also took part in a focus group and completed a pre- and post-study questionnaire. Some of the parents and the primary researcher also used journals to record their thoughts and comments regarding their experience during the course of the study. All of the data were coded and analysed for evidence of the extent to which documentation panels (a) enhance communication, collaboration and shared understanding among parents and teachers, (b) foster positive relationships between parents with each other and with teachers, and (c) help parents to understand the preschool experience as an interactive endeavour. The findings suggest that documentation panels are effective in promoting a sense of community and conveying to parents the teachers' intentions in guiding their children's learning experiences.